I love these illustrations by Sweet in this biography of EB White.

Love this quote!

This book certainly had its moments and it touched me enough to wring quite a few tears out of me. Still, the characters all felt like familiar archetypes and the ending was too pat and unrealistic for my tastes.

This is a great game and we should play it at book club!

This book really does have it all: a train, a circus, Sasquatches, a heist, murders, and more. It's a fun adventure story with loveable characters and a gripping plot. I especially appreciate how the main character is a boy who's the shy, artistic type but can still handle himself in an adventure.

This book is absolutely adorable. The short chapters and ample color pictures make it great for students just starting chapter books. The sweet friendship story and clever references will make it enjoyable for adults reading along too. Plus it's all based on a true story!

I really liked this dystopian fiction written by and about First Peoples. The setting felt very authentic and I loved the main character. I liked the first half better than the second, which seemed to have too much plot shoved in it. Still, this was a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

Like House of Cards for teenagers. This book was just as thrillingly (albeit unrealistically) plotted as the first. A good political thriller set in a high school.

oh actors! It's funny because it's true...

Whimsical, wonderful, and witty! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a light-hearted comic romp amidst the sea of gritty remakes.

Um guys, that is the only way I ever try to defeat super villains. Am I doing it wrong?

For the record: I'd totally read chipmunk hunk. I wouldn't say no to magic marten either...

That modified squirrel armour is amazing! And I love the notes on the bottom of the page!

This was just the kind of light, fluffy novel I was craving. I loved the details about SF and the discussion of art. My favorite part was the humane and realistic depiction of serious mental illness, even though it wasn't the focus of the story.

I love this series! From the revelation that unicorns play houses and humans (instead of d&d) to the band camp performance featuring two girls, a unicorn, and a lake monster this book had me in stitches.

When Lin gets a mysterious package with an even stranger key, she dives headlong into adventure. Behind the door she is greeted by her her beloved pet who had just passed away. Except now he's dressed, taller than her, and can speak. She discovers a whole village filled with animals who were loved by children when they were alive. But this peaceful village is under threat and only she can save it. A cute but dense adventure story for kids.

The premise of this novel is a bit shaky and requires a heaping helping of suspension of disbelief. Still, the way the way the characters feel and interact rings true and they make this story. The book is full of grey areas and difficult decisions and a particularly compelling stretch in a city under siege.

What I love about this book is that even though the premise (that we find a planet like earth complete with doubles of people on earth) is science fiction the book deals entirely with the psychological consequences of this discovery even though contact with the aliens is never established. Just the idea that this other planet is out there changes how characters interact and makes them revaluate their lives in a fascinating way.

Another engrossing tale that skillfully weaves folklore into the plot. The story and illustrations were as wonderful as I've come to expect from Lin. Plus I had a lovely dream where I was a mermaid princess after reading this book, so I'm grateful for that 😉

I absolutely adored the characters in this book. They were realistic and flawed and so endearing. This made it all the more jarring when their safety was threatened then they were saved repeatedly before one of the most violent and heart rending climaxes I've ever read. I appreciate all the historical details and that the author wanted to stay true to the period, but I still don't feel like it was necessary.

This novel was an interesting look into the lives of conjoined twins. The chapters alternated between the twins' perspectives and their voices were very similar. I sometimes had difficulty telling them apart. The secondary characters weren't very well developed and a lot of the narrative focused on the fact that they were conjoined instead of just having it be one aspect of who they are. Still, I got involved in the plot and enjoyed the book.

A fun space romp complete with plot twists, romance, and space pirates. The perfect distraction.

A wonderful adventure set in the Middle Ages. Full of humor, heart, and commentary on society that resonates in our modern times. Plus the illuminations are fantastic!

Why yes, that is a dragon vomiting. I love the marginalia in this Canterbury Tales style book!

Life is like a pile of stinky French cheese...

I loved the main character is this book so much! She gets transported across time and space with no resources in her pajamas and decides to just go to the library. Of course! That's the first thing I'd do if I was trapped in the future. This book was utterly charming and my only complaint is that it was not long enough.

Yes, that is the correct answer.

I always appreciate a librarian shout out!

Seems like sound reasoning to me!

I loved the way this book examined memory and relationships. The plot was a bit confusing at times and even though I usually liked creative typography in this case I felt like it was distracting and didn't serve much purpose. Still, a unique and satisfying read overall.

I'm sure none of us can relate to this...
I'm over halfway through this book and I have absolutely no idea what's going on. I like the characters though.

I liked the Roman setting of the book, but the characters were all pretty flat, the dialogue clunky, and the plot full of clichés. The definition of mediocre.

"When she conforms to my standards of femininity I can see her as desirable" Just when I thought this romance couldn't get more cliché, it throws in this scene straight from a rom com

So how many chapters until they kiss? I don't think you could forecast a YA romance any more clearly than that.

So good! A series of connected stories about two universes overlapping and the consequences that follow. Each story happens farther in the future and it was fascinating seeing these events play out. Each character was so well formed. I wish I had a whole book about each. Funny, moving, and well plotted.

I'm really enjoying this book so far. It's Cloud Atlas for teens.

Is there a word for when you find a near future hilarious but also worryingly prescient?

Goodman clearly did her research and I appreciated all the historical details. I liked how unique the supernatural element was instead of just inserting a standard magic/vampire/werewolf etc plot. However that did mean a lot of exposition to explain these elements and it seemed unnecessarily complicated at times. Overall an enjoyable read. I'll pick up the next.

Why is this the first I'm hearing of bourdaloues? I already love this book for calling my attention to this sadly neglected area of my history education!

I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I have a soft spot for rogue AIs (what's not to love?) On the other hand I never got into the romance plot. In general the plot kept me turning the pages and even offered a few surprises, which is refreshing. It doesn't hold up to much scrutiny though. I loved the climax, but I hated the ending. Some great scenes and wonderfully imaginative, but ultimately a bit disappointing.

I like the way this book plays with typography to show the chaos of battle. I'm also enjoying the book much more now that AIDAN is back online. Reading about rogue AIs is way more fun than reading about the rather alarmingly unhealthy relationship between the MCs.

Note to exes everywhere: we do not want to hear from you on Valentine's Day! So far I've spent this book wondering why Kady dated this guy at all. He is infuriating.

Funny, warm, and on point. This book explores issues of identity, friendship, and family with complexity and grace. Many students will be able to relate to this fish out of water story. The way the main character processes some big news is so realistic and thoughtful in the discussion of her emotions. Highly recommended!

Fair point, but I also really want to read Schrödinger's Schnauzer

This book gets major bonus points for having an awesome school librarian.

I've found a new use for boyfriends: book rest

I don't know what young Asian men do but apparently when they reach 90 they all go out and buy shops full of exotics potions that cater to white men. At least that's what western media has taught me...

The book had a lot going for it but in the end I felt it was just too much. There were so many plots and characters that could have been interesting but we never got beyond the surface of any of them.

This is my Sunday morning. (And yes, those are marauder's map PJs)